Flush tank apparatus



United States Patent [72] Inventor Sherwood L. Young Morison, Massachusetts [21 I Appl. No. 754,669 [22 Filed Aug. 22, 1968 [45] Patented Oct. 13,1970 [731 Assignee American Standard Inc.

New York, New York a corporation of Delaware [54] FLUSH TANK APPARATUS 20 Claims, 21 Drawing Figs.

{52] US. Cl 137/404, 137/424.137/426.137/436.137/443.137/446 [511 1nt.Cl .1 E031/33, Fl6k 33/00 [50] Field ofSearch 137/403. 404,406, 408. 424, 425, 426.427. 434. 435. 436 442, 443. 446; 4/41 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 616,995 1/1899 Wangelin 1. 137/403 1,069,658 8/1913 Drew l37/446X Smith Parson 1.

ABSTRACT: Relates to flush tank mechanism for a toilet bowl. The flush tank houses, in addition to a conventional flush valve. a water inlet valve and an elongated lever having a built-in channel substantially throughout its length for feeding water incoming through said valve to the flush tank. A float is physically coupled to the free or front end of the elongated lever and the float includes an open-ended chamber for receiving water from the channel of the lever, but the water is discharged from the chamber through an aperture therein. The channel of the lever provides one path for the incoming water reaching the tank while a hush tube. also coupled to the inlet water valve, provides a second path for incoming water. The lever is coupled to the inlet valve by geared members and they are operated to translate the rotary motion of the lever into linear motion to close the inlet valve.

Patented Oct. 13, 1970 3,533,437

Sheet of4 Patented Oct. 13, 1970 I 3,533,437

Sheet 3 of4 INVENTOR. S/ /[RWOUD L. mum

BY WP iawzifx Patented Oct. 13, 1970 Sheet i of 4 F76. IS a INVENTOR. SHERWOOD L. YOU/V6 BY A FLUSH TANK APPARArus This invention relates to structures and fittings for a flush tank of the type that is used with a toilet bowl. More particu larly, this invention relates to novel and improved mechanisms for controlling the flow of water into a flush tank and for releasing and discharging water from the flush tank into the toilet bowl.

As is well known, the flush tank usually associated with the conventional toilet bowl serves as a reservoir for a limited or predetermined quantity of water. The flush tank is generally filled to its assigned capacity and the water is later discharged from the flush tank into the toilet bowl as may be required to empty the contents of the toilet bowl. Water is usually allowed to enter the conventional flush tank from the local or city water supply system so as to fill the tank to the desired level at a fairly slow rate. When this level has been reached, the flow of water into the flush tank is shut off and remains shut off until, at a later time, the water is discharged into the toilet bowl and another supply of water must be transmitted to the flush tank. Usually a knob or lever, mounted on the outside of the conventional flush tank, is manipulated by the user to actuate the mechanism within the flush tank so as to release the water stored therein and to discharge the stored water into the toilet bowl. It is a general and common experience that the inflow of water to fill the flush tank to its full capacity, because of the slow rate of water influx, requires considerable time before the predetermined level is reached. Because of this long delay, discharges of a full head of water from the flush tank can only occur at relatively long time intervals. This is obviously a handicap in many eventualities. For one thing, the number of uses of the facilities is definitely reduced or limited by the long intervals. As another factor, the operation of the control knob or lever before the full head of water has been accumulated within the flush tank can only result in inefficient and unnecessarily repeated cleansing of the toilet bowl with its obvious consequences. The speedy influx of water into the flush tank as well as the speedy efflux of water are both prime requisites of good and efficient service and proper hygienic conditions. As a third factor, the operating mechanism within the flush tank develops hisses and other noises which are disturbing and unnecessary, and these disturbances should be materially reduced, if not eliminated.

The fittings and equipment for a flush tank have been standardized for a long time with relatively little change in their general construction or operation. Basically, the fittings are metallic and have remained metallic. They usually comprise a supply inlet valve to control the entrance or influx of water into the flush tank from the local water supply; a tank refill or hush tube which is designedto conduct water from the supply inlet valve into the flush tank when it is to be filled; an overflow preventer, usually in the form of a standing tube or pipe, serving not only to discharge any excessive supply of incoming water into the toilet bowl to prevent overflowing of the flush tank and flooding of the bathroom, but serving also as a safety device to prevent the water fed into the flush tank from being returned to the local water supply system to contaminate it; and a flush valve, generally including a disc mechanism, for

coupling the flush tank to the toilet bowl, the disc mechanismbeing lifted from'time to time in response to the operation of the control knob or lever-to release the water accumulated in the flush tank into the toilet bowl to drive the contents of the toilet bowl into the sewer system.

One of the main objects of this invention is to improve the fittings for a flush tank and their construction so that the overall mechanism will be of superior reliability, of improved operational and functional characteristics and capable of filling the flush tank at a much more rapid rate. As already suggested hereinabove, one of the objects will be to speed up the inflow of water into the flush tank so that repeated and efficient discharges of water from the flush tank may occur at more frequent intervals.

Another of the principal objects of this invention is to improve the fittings and mechanism of the flush tank so that they IJI will be lower in manufacturing cost and at the same time freer from problems requiring repair or maintenance. One of the features of this invention is the employment of simple plastic parts substantially throughout the entire construction.

Still anotherof the objects of this invention involves the design and construction of parts making up the overall mechanism of the flush tank so that a relatively unskilled mechanic may readily disassemble the parts and repair or replace any of the parts. One of the parts of the mechanism for accomplishing this objective is a linear pin having a cap or head and a movable retainer bar, so arranged that the cap or head may be moved essentially only when the retainer bar is deflected. That is, by deflecting the retainer bar, the pin may be moved into its assigned position to serve for example, as a pivot for a pair of cooperating parts or, when desired, the retainer bar may again be deflected so that the head of the pin may be released to enable the pin to be lifted out of its position so as to uncouple the parts which are controlled or coupled by the pin.

This invention will be better understood from the more detailed description-hereinafter following when read in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. I shows a perspective ofthe exterior of the flush tank;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cut-away of the flush tank so as to reveal some of the internal construction of the mechanism incorporated therein;

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the flush tank with its cover removed;

FIG. 4 is a view of the internal tank mechanism when viewed along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 (with the tank cover-in place);

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show three respective views of the pin and retainer bar construction employed in this invention;

FIG. 8 shows a front lateral view of the water supply inlet valve and the mechanism controlling its operation;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the mechanism of FIG.,8;

FIG. I0 shows a top plan view of the mechanism of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a front lateral view of the plunger device of this invention;

FIG. I2 a side view of said device;

' FIG. 13 shows a front lateral view of the rod lever control mechanism which is geared to the plunger device of FIGS. I1 and I2;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the rod lever control mechanism;

FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively illustratea side elevation of certain parts of the water supply inlet valve and a side view of said parts;

FIGS. 17 and 18 respectively illustrate side elevations of parts, corresponding to those of FIGS. 15 and 16, of an improved modification of said parts;

FIG. 18a illustrates a partial top plan view of the FIG. 18 arrangement;

FIG. 19 is a partial view taken from FIG. 2 to illustrate a divided hush tube; and

FIG. 20 is a partial section taken along lines 20-20-of FIG. I 9. Throughout the drawing like parts will be designated by .like reference characters.

FIG. I generally illustrates a view of the external mechanism of the flush tank. The flush tank is designated FT, the cover CV; there aretwo control tn'p knobs, the upper one designated TNU and the lowerone TNL. The water inlet pipe is designated IN and the supply or inletopeningor coupling is designated SI. At'the bottom of the tank, the discharge opening or coupling :D0 is connected by an appropriatepipel to the toilet bowl (not shown in FIG. I). As will be described The supply inlet coupling SI is connected to the water inlet valve IV. The opening and closing of the'water inlet valve IV is controls the opening or closing of the valve IV, as well as the speed with which the valve IV is opened or closed. The lever LV will be moved axially about another pivot pin RLX so as to swing the plunger PG in a lateral direction to operate the inlet valve IV.,The teeth RLT of rod lever RL mesh with the teeth PGT of plunger PG to impart lateral movement to the plunger to control the valve IV. Each angular displacement of lever LV is therefore accompanied by a corresponding movement of plunger PG and a corresponding change in the size of the opening of valve IV.

The valve IV is positioned so that it enables water to enter from the inlet opening or coupling SI into a hush tube I-IT through which water is fed into the tank FT. A similar inlet valve is disclosed in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 3,369,560, issued Feb. 20, 1968, entitled Flush Tank Refill Valve.The rotatable lever LV has a built-in water channel CN extending substantially throughout its length (See FIG. 3) which is coupled by means of a flexible refill tube RFT to the inlet valve IV. When the water inlet valve IV is open, some of the incom- 'ing water will flow into the flexible refill tube RFT and through the channel CN of the lever LV to the supply or ballast chamber BL of the float FL. Thus, there are two separate and distinct passages for influent water; one through the hush tube HT and the other through the flexible refill tube RFT and channel CN to the ballast chamber BL and then to the tank FT.

The flush valve FV may be of a conventional type and it is shown in solid lines in FIG. 2. It is'employed for controlling the main discharge of water from the flush tank Fl through the discharge opening D and pipe P into the toilet bowl TB. A somewhat more detailed description will now be provided as to the operation of the fluidic and mechanical arrangement broadly illustrated in FIG. 2.

The flush valve generally designated FV, which may be of any well-known construction, is preferably of the type shown and described in the Hurco et a1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,773,267, is-

sued Dec. ll, 1956, entitled Flush Valve." The flush valve FV includes a rotatable disc device D5 which, in its normally closed position, rests upon a weir or collar WR. When so posi tioned,water ,within the tank FT will'be unable to traverse or break the seal established between the disc DS and the weir WR. When the water in tank FT is at its highest level, the float FL, which is affixed to lever LV, will be in its uppermost position as shown in FIG. 2, and the inlet valve IV will be closed. However, when the flush valve FV is operated to release the water of tank FT,the disc DS reaches a position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2. The disc 05 is tilted and thereby raised above the weir WR so that water may then travel rapidly and voluminously through the discharge opening D0 and into the toilet bowl TB. The disc device 05 is rotated about the pivotal axis FVX of the flush valve FV. When the tank water is discharged, float FL will be at its lowermost position and the pressure of the water at the supply inlet willcause the inlet valve IV to be opened.

The separate knobs TNU and TNL may individually control the operation of the flush valve FV. One of the knobs TNU is coupled to and controls the left lobe or finger of the trip lever TF. The other knob TNL is mechanically coupled to and conwater in the tank FT will be promptly discharged over the weir WR and through the discharge opening D0 into the toilet bowl TB.

After the water within the tank FT has receded below the rim of the weir WR, the float FL attached to the lever LV will be in its lowermost position, as already mentioned. In this position the water inlet valve [V will be fully opened, permitting water to enter from the supply inlet SI at a rapid pace. The incoming water will flow in one path through the flexible tube RFT and channel CN to the ballast tank BL, and into tank FT, and in another path through the hush tube HT. As water enters the flush tank FT and rises in level, the rising water will buoy the float FL and cause it to move upwardly in step with the level of water in the flush tank FT. .Thus, water will be entering the tank FT not only through the hush tube I-IT but also from the parallel path of the flexible tube RFT and the channel CN of the lever LV and into the ballast tank BL of the float FL.

The ballast tank BL is a cylindrical chamber which is open at the top to receive water. However, there is a small openingor several small openingsgenerally designated BLO, within the ballast tank BL through which water fed to the ballast tank BL will be released into the flush tank FT. Hence, the joint reception of water by tank FT, through the hush tube HT and the ballast tank BL, speeds up the accumulation of water within tank FT. As the level of the water in tank FT rises further, the rotation of the lever LV in a counterclockwise direction about its pivotal axis RLX gradually, but fairly rapidly, closes the water inlet valve IV, thereby reducing the inflow of water into the tank FT. This reduction in water accumulation in tank FT occurs only near the end of the travel of the lever LV Thus, the water accumulation within the tank FT will generally be at a rapid pace, faster than is now achieved in conventional flush tanks. The time interval required to fill tank Fl, reduced by the dual entrance paths, makes the tank FT available for more rapid sequential operations when associated with the improved mechanism.

The tank FT embodies a vertical overflow tube 0T which is coupled to the discharge opening DO (See FIG. 4). The upper end of the overflow tube GT is open so that, as water reaches the level of the upper opening, it will be released through the overflow tube OT and through the discharge opening D0 to the toilet bowl TB. The overflow tube GT is also employed to permit excess water reaching the tank Fl to be discharged into the toilet bowl TB rather than to be fed back to the supply inlet opening SI and in turn to the local water supply system and possibly contaminate the water system.

In accordance with this invention, the volume of water entering the ballast tank BL of the float FL during the early stages immediately following the opening of the valve-IV will exceed the amount drained through the opening BLO of the ballast tank BL. Hence, the effective buoyancy of the tank float FL will be rapidly reduced in the early stages of the opening of inlet valve IV. As the float FL rises further and reaches the set or predetermined water level in the tank FT, the plunger CR of the water inlet valve IV (See FIGS. 8, l5 and 17) is advanced to the left to reduce the inflow of water through the flexible tube RFT. Hence water will enter the ballast tank BL at a slower rate than the rate at which water drains out of ballast tank BL through its drain hole or holes BLO. As the ballast-tank BL empties, it effects an increased buoyancy on the float FL, which quickly rises and shuts off the flow of water into tank FI via the water inlet valve IV. The

ready indicated, when the lever LV and its float FL are at or near the uppermost position as shown in FIG. 2, the water inlet valve IV will be fully closed, and no more water will be fed through the supply inlet 8].

It is, of course, one of the features of this invention to pro vide two separate and distinct main avenues or paths for simultaneously feeding water from the supply inlet to the flush .tank FT. One of these main supply channels is provided by the valve IV, but any movement in the opposite direction is controlled by the plunger PG.

FIGS. l7, l8 and 18a show projecting lugs LG and rounded shoulders SG between which'the plunger lever PG is positioned and retained. Hence, when the float FL drops as the flush tank FT empties, the plunger PG is rotated away from the inlet valve IV to release the movable mechanism of this valve and thereby open the valve. The opening of valve IV as the float FL drops will occur even when the water pressure in the supply inlet 5] is low and insufficient per se to move the rubber member RU away from its seat. Thus, by the construcare highly desirable especially in situations in which the flush tank F1 is elevated considerably above the level of the toilet bowl TB.

The upper knob TNU has a threaded cap so that it may be coupled by a stem STU through an appropriate housing or enclosure to the left arm of the trip lever TF. The knob TNU is intended to hold the cover CV closed against the upper rim of the tank FT. A similar stem STL couples the lower knob TNL to the right arm of the trip lever TF via a coupling element K.

The relative position and angular displacement of the lever LV can 'be controlled by two threaded screw members SCI which are located at opposite sides of the pivot pin RLX of the lever RL, as is plainly shown in FIG. 2. By moving these screws SCI in relatively opposite directions, the angular position of the lever LV may be controlled and this in turn governs the maximum height to which float FL may be raised. This then determines the maximum level to which the water may rise within tank FT. Each rise in the water level will be accompanied by a delay in the time of closure of the inlet valve IV. The maximum water level of tank Fl will be increased and the time interval during which valve IV is opened will be increased by manipulation of screws SCI, as above indicated. Conversely, by'reversing the relative adjustments of the two screws SCI, the lever LV may be relatively lowered so that a lower level of water will be accumulated'within the tank F1 and the opening time of valve IV will be reduced.'ln the latter case, the inlet valve IV will come to complete closure at an earlier time phase.

It will be observed that the float FL is permanently fastened to the channeled lever LV by a plastic threaded screw SCI These two elements are therefore caused to move together so that'each change in the vertical elevation of the float FL will be accompanied by a correspondingangular displacement of lever LV.

FIGS. 2 and 8, for example, show the mechanism adjacent to and immediately controlling the water inlet valve IV.The plunger PG is movable about its axial pin PGX, but the plunger PG exercises a lateral displacement of the inlet valve IV. That is, the rotary motion of plunger PG is converted into a lateral or linear displacement of valve IV.

tion of FIGS. 17 and 18, the valve IV will be opened regardless of the magnitude of the incoming water pressure.

The pivot pins TFX, RLX, LVX and PGX are several similar general purpose pins employed in this invention to couple two parts together so that one or the other or both of the parts may .be rotatable. The general form of these pins is shown in FIGS.

5, 6 and 7. The pin LVX, for example, has a cap CP. This pin LVX and its cap CP are associated with a retainer arm RT,

forming a unitary structure. The retainer arm RT is flexible, and therefore, one end is movable. Although shown in solid lines in FIG. 5 in its normal position, the retainer arm RT may be deflected by relatively minor finger pressure to the dotted position also shown in FIG. 5. In the latter or dotted position, the cap CP of the pin LVX may be released from the retainer arm RT so that the pin LVX may be removed from its opening to sever the parts coupled together by pin LVX. On the other hand,.when the retainer arm RT is returned to its normal position while the cap CP is in the position shown in FIG. 5, it will be impossible to remove the pin LVX. FIG. 6 shows the cap CP about to be moved into engagement beneath the retainer arm RT so that it may be held by the retainer arm RT On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the retainer arm RT is undeflected so that the cap CP may not be removed from its position.

It will be observed from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the axial pin LVX couples the rod lever RL to the channeled lever LV. In those figures the axial pin LVX is held in its assigned position to maintain the two levers coupled to each other. However, should it be desired to uncouple or sever the two levers from each other, it is only necessary todeflect the retainer arm RT and hold it deflected until the cap CP is slid beyond the retainer arm to remove the pin LVX. The levers will thence be The movable mechanism of the inlet valve IV is shown particularly in FIGS. 15 and I6. A modified mechanism is shown fixed within a collar CR. The collar CR supports an O-ring OR. A shoulder 86 on the disk SH'of the mechanism of FIG. 15 puts a limit on the amount by which the movable mechanism here shown and described can travel into the external housing of the inlet valve IV. The O-ringOR islocated to the right of the flexible tube RFT and of the hush tube "T (which are illustrated in FIG. 2) so that incoming water may be received by these two tubes but cannot pass the O-ring. The slotted segment RM of the mechanism is positioned in a corresponding channel of the plunger PG so that the plunger PG may control and laterally move the slotted segment to the left-to reduce or to close the opening of the inlet valve IV. The water pressure applied through the supply inlet SI can cause limited movement to the right of the movable mechanism of uncoupled. To recouple the levers RL and LV, it is again necessary'to deflect the arm RT until the cap CP of pin LVX has been moved back beyond the arm RT. Hence, the pin LVX will again serve as a pivot for the two levers. Obviously,

dinal channels within tube IIT. The divider DV acts as a sort of slope of the wall of tank FT adjacent to the hush tube HT and due also to the curvature KR at the intersection of the wall and tank base, the water emitted by the hush tube I-IT will impinge against the tank surface at a very small angle and hence the water will glide smoothly into the base of the tank FT. This smooth, nonturbulent emission substantially reduces noise. Such noise is generated especially in a conventional" flush tank in which the hushtube is parallel to the tank walls and emitted water flows squarely (perpendicularly) against the tank base. Thus, because of the taper of the tank wall and the curvature KR, substantially noiseless operation is effected.

Thus, in accordance with this invention, two distinct sources of noise are effectively suppressed from the tank operation. A

All of the parts and fittings within the flush tank FT, as well as the flush tank FT itself, are made of plastic materials. They are relatively light in weight and inexpensive; consequently, the cost of manufacture of the various parts of the overall combination will be relatively low. Moreover, all of the parts are readily removed whenever desired and replacements may be made expeditiously by even an inexperienced mechanic, as well as by the home owner.

It will be apparent that the structures and features which are described and illustrated and claimed are capable of a wide range of variations for accomplishing the same or similar objectives.

lclaim:

l. A flush tank comprising a water inlet valve positioned near the top of the tank, an elongated lever one end of which is pivotally coupled to said valve and is shaped to provide a channel which is open substantially throughout the length of the lever to transmit water traversing said valve into said tank, and means controlled by said lever to open or close said valve, the uncoupled end of said lever being positioned above the level of said valve when said valve is closed and positioned below the level of said valve when said valve is open.

2. A flush tank according to claim 1 in which the lever control means includes two rotatable arms geared to each other to effect a linear displacement of the water inlet valve.

3. A flush tank according to claim 2 including also a float supported substantially at the uncoupled end of the lever, said float being elevated in response to increases in the level of the water in the tank.

4. A flush tank according to claim 3 including a screw adjusting member mounted on the lever and adjustable to control the maximum height to which the float may rise.

5. A flush tank according to claim 3 in which the float includes a chamber for receiving water transmitted over the channel of the lever and having a hole therein for discharging water from said chamber into the flush tank.

6. A flush tank according to claim 4 including also means for controlling the buoyancy of the float, said buoyancy control means including a chamber in the float for receiving water traversing the channel of the lever, said chamber having an aperture therein for discharging water from said chamber and into the tank.

7. A flush tank according to claim 6 including also a substantially vertical tube coupled to the water inlet valve to provide a second passage for water entering said valve.

8. A flush tank according to claim 2 including a float suspended from the uncoupled end of the lever and being buoyant so as to be elevated as the water in the tank rises, thereby correspondingly elevating the position of the lever.

9. A flush tank according to claim 8 in which the float includes a receiving chamber to receive water traversing the channel of the lever, said channel having a hole therein for and a substantially vertical tube to provide a second channel for transmitting water from said valve into said tank.

11. A flush tank according to claim 10 including means controlled by said lever to control the closure of said valve.

12. A flush tank according to claim 11 in which the lever control means includes two rotatable arms geared to each other to effect a linear displacement of the inlet valve to thereby close that valve.

13. A flush tank according to claim 12 including also a float physically suspended from one end of said lever and responsive to changes in the water level in the tank to correspondingly change the elevation of the end of the lever to which the float is connected.

14. A flush tank according to claim 13in which the lever includes a mechanism mounted thereon for adjusting the maximum height to which the lever may rise.

15. A flush tank according to claim 14 including means for controlling the buoyancy of the float.

16. A flush tank according to claim 15 in which the buoyancy control means includes an apertured chamber for receiving water from the channel of the lever and discharging the water into the flush tank.

17. A flush tank comprising a water inlet valve, a lever which is channeled to transmit water from said valve into said tank, said lever being pivoted within said tank and having a float attached thereto, and means to couple said lever to said valve, said coupling means including two members which are geared to each other, each angular movement of the lever in one direction about its pivot causing the members to progressively reduce the opening of said water inlet valve and each movement of the lever in the opposite direction about its pivot causing the members to progressively increase the opening of said water inlet valve regardless of the water pressure at said inlet valve.

18. A flush tank comprising a pivoted lever having a channel, a water inlet valve to transmit water over said channel into said tank, and means to render the operation of the valve independent of the external water pressure, said means including mechanism to couple said lever to said valve so that each an- I gular displacement of said lever will produce a linear displace- 

